ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Housing & Urban Affairs
Waste Collection on Wheels: 'E Parakkum Thalika' Inspires Mini MCF
Perinthalmanna MC Transforms Abandoned Bus into 'E Parakkum Thalika' Themed Mini Material Collection Facility
Keralites have set a remarkable example of turning waste into art and embracing sustainability principles. In line with Swachhata Pakhwadas 2023, an abandoned bus has been creatively transformed into a sustainable Mini Material Collection Facility in Perinthalmanna Municipality, Malappuram district, Kerala.
What makes this mini bus stand out is its captivating theme inspired by the popular Malayalam blockbuster 'E Parakkum Thalika,' featuring the story of Thamarakshan Pillai, a bus, and its caretakers Unni and Sundaresan, characters cherished by movie enthusiasts. These iconic elements have been integrated into the new mini bus model introduced by Perinthalmanna Municipality. Inside the bus compartments, one can discover exquisite paintings of other characters, including Basanti. The bus is prominently displayed in front of the Perinthalmanna City Council office and is now poised to play an active role in the city council's sanitation initiatives by serving as a waste collection vehicle. This transformation isn't just a nod to cinema nostalgia; it's a testament to environmental conservation.
Before its transformation, the bus was parked idle in the same spot for an extended period while other vehicles were relocated. Eventually, it was the collaborative effort of the Perinthalmanna City Council's Health Department and the NSS students from Government Polytechnic College, Angadippuram, who took charge of the bus, preserving its legacy. Following the bus's makeover, members of the Green Karma Army from the Perinthalmanna City Council will utilize the Mini MCF bus for waste collection in the city. Additionally, a mini -Material Recovery Facility has been incorporated into the Thamarakshan Pillai bus to facilitate proper waste segregation.Since the bus's transformation, its story has garnered widespread attention, making headlines on major news channels. Soon, the beautiful Thamarakshan Pillai bus will actively contribute to the city council's sanitation endeavours, continuing its journey of turning waste into art and promoting sustainability.
The conversion of an abandoned bus into a Mini Material Collection Facility serves as a powerful testament to the transformative potential hidden within waste. This innovative project, rooted in the heart of Kerala, showcases the profound impact of treating waste as art and embracing sustainability. By breathing new life into a neglected vehicle, this remarkable endeavour reminds us that with vision and commitment, we can turn challenges into opportunities, reinforcing the idea that waste can indeed be a canvas for a more sustainable future.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Minister of state Shri A. Narayanaswamy interacted with the newly inducted members of the Project Monitoring Unit for the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment on Day 2 of the orientation programme
The Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment recently selected 26 young graduates from reputed institutes of the country to be a part of its Project Monitoring Unit . An orientation programme has been organised by the Ministry from August 2 to 14, 2021, for the new joinees, which was inaugurated by Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Dr.Virendra Kumar. On the second day of orientation programme, Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment, Shri. A. Narayanaswamy, interacted with the youngsters and encouraged them to use their complete potential in their stint as state coordinators.
Shri. A.Narayanaswamy stressed upon the need to expand the dissemination of information about the various welfare schemes and programmes being run by the ministry. “There are so many schemes and programmes that are run by the ministry, but not many people know about it. You can contribute in the dissemination of information as you will be out on the field as state coordinators,” Shri. Narayana swamy said during his address, and concluded his speech by congratulating everyone on their selection.
In the function, Ms.Kalyani Chadha, Joint Secretary, MSJE was also present and gave a PPT presentation to the new members, giving them an overview of the functioning of the ministry.
MG/IA
Ministry of Electronics & IT
Aadhaar reunites missing divyang woman with her family in Assam
Once again, Aadhaar has reunited a family. This time, a divyang woman in Assam was reunited after being missing from her home for several weeks.
The woman, who has speech and hearing impairments, and is unable to communicate, was found wandering homeless in Sonapur New Market, Kamrup district by Assam Police, nearly 165 kilometers from her home in Khanamukh village, Sonitpur district andwas traced using Aadhaar.
The police referred her to Sakhi One Stop Centre, an NGO that offers psychosocial counselling and temporary shelter to women under Sambal sub-scheme of Mission Shakti of the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India. When communication could not be established through writing and sign language, she was shown pictures and she pointed to an Aadhaar card.
When the Guwahati Regional Office of the Unique Identification Authority of India  was contacted, it offered its support and advised that the woman may submit her fingerprint biometrics for a possible Aadhaar enrolment.
Upon submission of the same, her existing Aadhaar biometrics could be matched and from her Aadhaar details, her home address could be located and she could be reunited with her family earlier this month.
Aadhaar enrolment helps not only in ease of living and better service delivery, but can also help persons separated from their families to reconnect. Therefore, UIDAI has always been encouraging that children be enrolled at the earliest, and their biometrics be enrolled once they attain the age of five years and updated upon attainment of 15 years of age. Such enrolment and update is free of charge and can be done at all Aadhaar enrolment and update centres across the country.
Ministry of Power
High Level of Efficiency in Power Plants
To meet higher demand of energy in summer months and to ensure that power plants operate with maximum efficiency, the following measures have been taken by the Government:
 All planned shutdowns of units  have been rescheduled to lean demand period.
 There shall be periodic review of forced outage by Central Electricity Authority and Power System Operation Corporation.
 There shall be adequate capacity on bar and to achieve the same even gas based generation shall be synchronized during the period of high demand.
 Regular coordination interactions will be held with Central Generating Companies, State Generating Companies, Independent Power Producers, coal companies, Railways and Ministry of Coal.
To improve efficiency of Thermal Power Plants, Perform, Achieve and Trade  scheme, which is designed to reduce Specific Energy Consumption, is being implemented.
As per the Electricity Act 2003, the reasonability of cost of energy is ensured by the respective Appropriate Commissions. Cost of energy and electricity rates for consumers are different in different States as determined by the respective State Commissions depending upon the various factors like power purchase cost, Aggregate Transmission and Commercial  loss, operation and maintenance  expense, consumer mix etc., which varies from State to State.
The Government is promoting to deepen the power markets with a view to increase efficiency in procurement of energy. Tariff based bidding has been promoted to ensure most competitive rate of bulk power and transmission services. Also introducing flexibility in use of coal in power plants and merit order despatch at national level has helped in controlling cost of generation.
This information was given by Union Minister for Power and New and Renewable Energy , Shri R.K. Singh in a written reply in Rajya Sabha Today.
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Gadkari calls upon automobile manufacturer to develop/manufacture eco-friendly vehicles which can use agro based fuels
Calls for switching over to FASTag by 15th December, 2019; says, 50 per cent transactions already achieved through FASTags at NHAI toll Plazas
Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways & MSME Shri Nitin Gadkari has called upon the automobile manufacturers to produce eco-friendly vehicles which can utilize the agro-based fuels produced from bio-mass agricultural based like paddy straw  etc. He said, air pollution is one of the major challenges that our country is facing at the moment and hence automakers should focus on alternative fuel vehicles, towards achieving a greener and safer mobility ecosystem in the country. Speaking at Toyota's xEV Vehicle Technologies Demonstration and Experiential Driving , he said, this will not only help in reduction of environment pollution, but also has potential for increasing farmers’ income in the country.
Shri Gadkari informed that more than 50 per cent transactions at National Highway toll plazas are already happening through FASTags. The Minister called for switching over to FASTags so that vehicular movement at NHAI toll Plazas becomes faster and smooth. He also reiterated that the FASTags can be obtained free of cost upto 15th December, 2019 as announced by NHAI.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
197.98 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
India's Active caseload currently stands at 1,13,864
Active cases stand at 0.26%
Recovery Rate currently at 98.53%
13,958 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
4,28,79,477
16,135 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
Daily positivity rate 
Weekly Positivity Rate 
86.39 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 3,32,978 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
Ministry of Road Transport & Highways
Steps taken to Minimise Waiting Time at Toll Gates
According to the Government mandate, all lanes of fee plazas on National Highways except one lane have been declared as FASTag Lane of the fee plaza. As a result, waiting time in FASTag lanes has significantly reduced. However, the waiting time in the hybrid lane which accepts cash has increased because of non-FASTag vehicles.
The automated IT system of collection of fee through FASTag provides for discounts for up-and-down/return journeys through toll gates.
FASTag related issues and complaints at fee plazas of National Highways  are addressed through a central NH Helpline Number 1033. Most of the complaints are resolved instantly by the customer executive. Other complaints are forwarded to concerned regional office of National Highways Authority of India  and banks for necessary resolution. Apart from 1033, 24 participating banks of FASTag programme also have their own dedicated customer care helpline to cater to complaints of respective customer base. In view of increasing number of NH stretches and NH fee plazas, NHAI has also strengthened the capacity of NH Helpline 1033 to cater to increased call volume.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
CAS VISITS AIR BASE IN WESTERN AIR COMMAND
Air Chief Marshal RKS Bhadauria PVSM AVSM VM ADC, Chief of Air Staff  visited a frontline air base in Western Air Command on 13 Aug 20. On his arrival, the CAS was received by the Air Officer Commanding  of the base who briefed him on the readiness and operational status of the lodger units located at the base.
During the day long visit, the CAS reviewed the operational preparedness of the base and interacted with air warriors serving on the frontlines. The CAS urged the air warriors to maintain the highest standards of readiness. He also appreciated their efforts in preserving IAFs combat potential during the ongoing COVID 19 pandemic.
Earlier in the day, the CAS flew the Mig 21 Bison with the resident squadron.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah held a series of meetings with Chief Minister of Manipur, representatives of Meitei and Kuki community and other stakeholders to review the measures taken for restoring peace in the state
Home Minister directed strict action against the perpetrators of violence and assured complete support and help of the central government for ensuring lasting peace
Shri Amit Shah assured that the government would take all measures to protect various communities in the state
Union Home Minister urged discussion with all factions and spread the message of peace and assured that justice would be done
Shri Amit Shah stressed on expediting process of relief and rehabilitation so as to minimise the suffering of the people
Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah held a series of meetings with Chief Minister of Manipur, representatives of Meitei and Kuki community and other stakeholders to review the measures taken for restoring peace in the state.
Shri Amit Shah held a meeting with Chief Minister of Manipur Shri N Biren Singh, four of his Cabinet colleagues and Rajya Sabha MP in New Delhi on Sunday. Later Union Home Minister also met representatives of Meitei community on Sunday. Shri Shah also held a meeting with the representatives of Kuki Community from Manipur and a group of CSOs from Mizoram today.
During the meetings Union Home Minister reviewed the measures taken for restoring peace in Manipur that has witnessed violent clashes between two ethnic communities. He directed strict action against the perpetrators of violence and assured complete support and help of the central government for ensuring lasting peace.
Shri Amit Shah assured that the government would take all measures to protect various communities in the state. Union Home Minister urged discussion with all factions and spread the message of peace and assured that justice would be done. Shri Amit Shah stressed on expediting process of relief and rehabilitation so as to minimise the suffering of the people
Ministry of Law and Justice
PRESS COMMUNIQUE
In exercise of the power conferred by clause  of Article 124 of the Constitution of India, the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, is pleased to appoint the following High Court Chief Justice and a Judge, as Judges of the Supreme Court of India w.e.f. the date they assume charge of their respective offices.
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Details of Appointment
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Sudhanshu Dhulia, Chief Justice, Gauhati High Court
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As Judges of the Supreme Court of India
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Jamshed Burjor Pardiwala, Judge, Gujarat High Court
Department of justice , Ministry of Law & justice.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Cabinet approves ex-post facto the agreement between India and Uzbekistan on Cooperation in the field of Combating Transnational Organized Crime and International Terrorism
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has given ex-post facto approval on an Agreement between the Ministry of Home Affairs of the Republic of India and the Ministry of Internal Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan on Cooperation in the field of Combating Transnational Organized Crime and International Terrorism, that was signed by Union Home Minister and the Minister of Internal Affairs, Republic of Uzbekistan at New Delhi on 20th November, 2019 during the visit of Hon'ble Minister of Internal Affairs of Republic of Uzbekistan to India.
The agreement aims to improve the effectiveness of both countries in prevention and suppression of crimes including crime relating to terrorism and its financing, organized crime and to establish a framework for enhancing cooperation between the officials of intelligence and law-enforcement agencies of the two countries, in line with domestic laws and international obligations.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the loss of lives due to an accident in Telangana
Announces ex-gratia from PMNRF for the victims
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep grief over the loss of lives due to an accident in Kamareddy district, Telangana. Shri Modi has announced an ex-gratia from the Prime Minister's National Relief Fund  for the victims of an accident in Kamareddy district, Telangana.
The Prime Minister's Office tweeted;
"Distressed by the loss of lives due to an accident in Kamareddy district, Telangana. Condolences to the bereaved families and prayers with the injured. Rs. 2 lakh each from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of the deceased. The injured would be given Rs. 50,000: PM Modi"
Ministry of Power
NHPC signs MoU for development of “Pilot Green Hydrogen Technologies”
NHPC signed two MoUs for the development of “Pilot Green Hydrogen Technologies” in line with the country’s resolve to reduce the carbon footprint in the Power Sector in Leh and Kargil districts of Union Territory of Ladakh yesterday. The MOUs were signed in the august presence of Shri R.K. Mathur, Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, Union Territory of Ladakh.
As per MOU signed for Leh district, NHPC shall consider the development of Pilot Green Hydrogen fuel cell-based Microgrid including Hydrogen production to meet the power requirement of the NHPC guest house at Nimmo Bazgo Power Station  within NHPC premises. According to the MOU signed for the Kargil district, the hydrogen generated in Kargil will be used in fuel cells for mobility which will be capable to run two buses for up to 8 hrs in the local area of Kargil.
NHPC shall upscale hydrogen production on a commercial scale to supply the hydrogen need of the Ladakh region in different sectors like mobility, transportation, heating, and Micro-grid & subsequent MoU shall be signed separately.
These two Pilot projects will create a roadmap for future development of Green Hydrogen & subsequent reduction of carbon emission in the transportation/heating sector and will also attract long-term investment in the Hydrogen economy creating different revenue streams & job opportunities for the youth of UT of Ladakh.
Ministry of Defence
Chief of Defence Staff visits Karwar Naval Base & aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya
Reviews progress of critical infrastructure & other strategic initiatives
Chief of Defence Staff  General Anil Chauhan visited the Naval Base at Karwar and aircraft carrier INS Vikramaditya on September 23, 2023. He assessed the progress of critical infrastructure, accommodation and other strategic initiatives at the Naval Base.
The CDS interacted with the senior officers of Karwar Naval Area and Project Seabird. He underscored the importance of establishing the base as a forward-thinking and adaptable one, ensuring its readiness for future challenges with the ability to remain relevant and responsive to the evolving security concerns.
Ministry of Home Affairs
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah paid floral tributes to Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya on his birth anniversary
“Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya gave birth to an ideology which was deeply rooted in Indian ethos instead of one of blindly emulating the West”
“For the last 6 years, PM Modi has been carrying forward the poor welfare policy of 'Antyodaya' based on Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya’s vision”
“Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya’s thoughts, ideals and dedication towards the welfare of the society will continue to inspire all countrymen towards the service of the nation in the times to come”
Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah paid floral tributes to Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya on his birth anniversary today. Shri Amit Shah said, "My humble tributes to the heroic son of Mother India, an epitome of simplicity and the pioneer of progressive politics in the country, Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya ji, on his birth anniversary.”
“For the last 6 years, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has been carrying forward the poor welfare policy of 'Antyodaya' based on Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya’s vision. Under this policy, Modi Government is providing cooking gas, electricity, toilets, houses and health facilities to 60 crore poor households.”
Shri Amit Shah said, “Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya ji gave birth to a new ideology soon after Independence, at a time when policies were being framed and the nation had begun its journey. Instead of blindly emulating the West, his thought was deeply rooted in Indian ethos.”
“Deen Dayal ji's contribution towards the development of the country, especially towards welfare of the poor and our politics will always be remembered. His thoughts, ideals and dedication towards the welfare of the society will continue to inspire all countrymen towards the service of the nation in the times to come”, said Shri Amit Shah.
Ministry of Education
Objectives of SARTHAQ yojana
In pursuance of the goals and objectives of the National Education Policy  2020 issued on 29th July, 2020 and to assist States and UTs in this task, the Department of School Education and Literacy, Ministry of Education has developed an indicative and suggestive NEP Implementation Plan for School Education, called ‘Students’ and Teachers’ Holistic Advancement through Quality Education ’. It was released on 8th April 2021.
The plan keeps in mind the concurrent nature of education and adheres to the spirit of federalism. States and UTs are given the flexibility to adapt this plan with local contextualization and also modify as per their needs and requirements. This implementation plan delineates the roadmap and way forward for implementation of NEP, 2020 for the next 10 years, which is very important for its smooth and effective implementation.
SARTHAQ has been developed as an evolving and working document through wide and intensive consultative process with States and UTs, Autonomous bodies and suggestions received from all stakeholders. SARTHAQ is divided in two parts and has been uploaded on the Department’s website under the links mentioned below:
https://dsel.education.gov.in/sites/default/files/SARTHAQ_Part-1_updated.pdf
https://dsel.education.gov.in/sites/default/files/SARTHAQ_Part-2_updated.pdf
The information was given by the Minister of State for Education, Smt. Annpurna Devi in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha today.